Venezuela: 'US citizen confesses over failed coup'
Venezuela's state TV has demonstrated a video of a US citizen apparently confessing to plotting to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro and bring him to the united states.
Luke Denman is among 13 persons arrested over the weekend. Venezuela says they are "mercenaries" whose armed incursion was foiled.
Mr Maduro has often accused US President Donald Trump of trying to invade the united states and overthrow him.
Mr Trump earlier this week denied any US involvement.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the government use "every tool" to secure the return of the Americans.
What did Venezuelan TV broadcast?
In Wednesday's video, Mr Denman, 34, seemed to make clear that he was hired to train Venezuelans in Colombia before time for Caracas and taking control of an airport to permit Mr Maduro to be taken from the country.
"I was helping Venezuelans get back control of their country," Mr Denman, a former special operations forces member, sometimes appears as saying.
Mr Denman said he and Airan Berry, 41, were contracted by Jordan Goudreau, an American military veteran who leads a Florida-based Silvercorp USA firm, to carry out the operation.
Venezuela said it could seek extradition of Mr Goudreau, who has admitted he was mixed up in operation.
According to Mr Maduro, Silvercorp signed a contract with opposition leader Juan Guaidó, a politician seen by the united states and many Europe as Venezuela's legitimate leader.
"Donald Trump may be the direct chief of this invasion," Mr Maduro said throughout a press conference, following the video of Mr Denman was broadcast.
The Venezuelan president said the Americans could have a fair trial.
He didn't provide any information regarding the whereabouts of the detained men. It is unclear if they get access to a lawyer.
Who are the detained US citizens?
Very little is yet known about Mr Denman and Mr Berry.
Venezuelan military high command have said the pair are members of the united states security forces. US media have suggested they are former members - but this has not been confirmed.
Caracas says that 11 other people were arrested, and eight armed men killed during the alleged coup attempt.
What is the backdrop to this?
Mr Goudreau in addition has repeatedly made claims about past associations with Mr Guaidó.
On Monday, Mr Guaidó denied having anything to do with the ex-Green Beret. In a statement, he said he previously "no relationship nor responsibility for just about any actions" taken by the united states war veteran.
He also accused President Maduro's administration of trying to distract persons from recent outbreaks of violence - including a deadly prison riot on Friday and a gang battle in Caracas on Saturday night.
